Retaining Wall Installation Mequon
Concrete Block & Natural Stone Retaining Wall Contractors
Oberndorfer is Mequon’s premier Hardscape Company. Our installers use the highest quality materials – capable of withstanding harsh weather and varying changes in rain and temperature – to ensure retaining walls are durable and long lasting. Proper installation helps reduce and eliminate sliding or collapse over time. Let our talented staff design and install a safe, easy, stress-free way to improve your landscape or complete your outdoor living area.
Get started on your retaining wall – contact us!
Hardscape Contractors Build Beautiful Outdoor Living Areas
Whether you’re just installing a retaining wall or bringing to life an incredible outdoor living area, Oberndorfer is the right choice! We’re experts in the installation of patios, walkways, fire pits, kitchens, and more! We’ll help you elegantly align your landscape and create the backyard oasis of your dreams.
Natural Stone Retaining Wall Cost
The price of a custom retaining wall depends on your preferred design, the desired location of the retaining wall, and the chosen material. Elaborate designs, larger walls, and premium materials will translate to increased costs. Contact Oberndorfer for a quote on your retaining wall.
Types of Retaining Walls
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Gravity retaining walls - Gravity retaining walls rely on the force of gravity exerted by their own weight to counteract the lateral pressure from the soil behind them, thereby preventing any toppling or sliding. These walls are considered the most basic and ancient form of retaining walls and are typically constructed using materials such as masonry, brick, concrete blocks, or cast-in-place concrete.
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Cantilever retaining walls - Cantilever walls are constructed from reinforced concrete and feature an L-shaped or inverted T-shaped foundation. The structure comprises a stem and a base slab (or footing) which is positioned beneath the backfill. By transferring the vertical stress from the soil mass behind the wall onto the base, cantilever walls are able to withstand lateral earth pressure and avoid toppling, resulting in a self-supporting structure.
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Embedded retaining walls - Embedded retaining walls are designed to penetrate deeper into the ground than the excavation, harnessing the passive earth pressure of the underlying soil to counteract the active earth pressure on the wall. To provide further support, internal propping is commonly used, typically from the base slab, ground slab, or any intermediate floor slabs. Alternatively, ground anchors may be installed through the wall to offer additional reinforcement.
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Reinforced soil retaining walls - Mechanically stabilized earth walls, also known as reinforced soil retaining walls, are built by layering geogrids to strengthen the soil and create a stable structure. This method improves the wall's load-bearing capacity and makes it more resistant to differential settlement.
Benefits of Retaining Walls
- Structural Support - A primary function of retaining walls is to prevent soil from moving. This makes retaining walls a crucial safety measure. Depending on the level of support needed, a variety of options are available to choose from.
- Preventing Soil Erosion and Providing Flood Control - Retaining walls offer a significant advantage in preventing soil erosion and movement, particularly around the foundation of your home, which can occur over time.
- Adding Functional Space - A well-built retaining wall is both sturdy and functional, capable of withstanding substantial weight. Once installed, it can effectively hold back earth or water for an extended period with minimal maintenance. They also offer the benefit of creating visually appealing vertical gardens while maximizing space.
- Create beautiful focal point - By incorporating a mix of hardscapes and softscapes, you can create an engaging and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environment. Whether you're seeking to impress your neighbors or increase the resale value of your property, retaining walls contribute to an attractive and charming overall aesthetic for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are retaining walls used?
Retaining walls are frequently installed in locations where additional reinforcement is required to hinder soil from sliding downhill due to erosion.
How many years does a retaining wall last?
The lifespan of a permanent retaining wall can vary between 25 to 100 years depending the materials used, type of soil, and the groundwater conditions.
Can retaining walls be repaired?
Yes, they can be repaired.
What happens when a retaining wall fails?
It can cause the soil behind it to shift and move along with the wall. This movement of the soil can result in harm to any structures that rely on that soil for support.